Eddie Jones signs as England’s first overseas head coach

After much speculation and many coaching names thrown into the mix, England has announced their new Rugby Union coach as Eddie Jones who signs up on a four-year contract.

The Australian will start work as Stuart Lancaster’s successor in December ahead of the Six Nations and becomes the first non-Englishman to take the job.

Eddie Jones jumped at the chance to become England’s head coach, following Lancaster resignation following a disastrous World Cup campaign where England became the first host nation in the history of the Rugby World Cup to not make it into the group stages.

If international experience is what the RFU was looking for, they certainly picked the right man.

Jones led Australia to the 2003 World Cup final and was part of the South Africa staff for their 2007 success, and he made headlines at the recent tournament in England by masterminding Japan’s shock win over the Springboks.

He was keen to return to international rugby and when the opportunity came to manage England it was a no-brainer, he leaves a role with Western Province’s Super Rugby side the Stormers without taking charge of a single game.

“Firstly my thanks must go to Rob Wagner and everyone at Western Province Rugby for understanding my decision and allowing me to return to the international stage so quickly,” Jones said.

“The opportunity to take the reins in, possibly, the world’s most high profile international rugby job doesn’t come along every day however, and I feel fortunate to be given the opportunity.

“I’m now looking forward to working with the RFU and the players to move beyond the disappointment England suffered at the World Cup and hope to build a new team that will reflect the level of talent that exists within the English game. I believe the future is bright for England.”

Rugby Football Union Chief Executive Ian Ritchie said: “We promised to recruit a coach with proven international experience and we have done that.

“Eddie is a world-class coach, with extensive experience at the highest level with Australia, South Africa and Japan.

We believe that the appointment, which was unanimously approved by the RFU Board, is the right one to bring England success in the short, medium and long term.

“We are confident Eddie can build on the strong foundations already laid, with this talented group of players largely remaining together through to the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan and beyond. We are grateful to the Stormers for their co-operation in releasing Eddie early from his contract.”